"This is about future-proofing our economy. Making the transition to alow-carbon clean technology economy is not a 'nice to have' as the currentGovernment would have us believe. It is a transition we must make and thesooner we begin, the easier that transition will be.

"We also currently have a window of opportunity to leverage our natural strengths in a world that will soon be crying out for low-carbon technologies, goods, and services. Given our international reputation in the area of renewable energy and innovation New Zealand is in a prime position to take advantage of these opportunities, yet we are being overtaken by countries like Denmark who see the dual potential for environmental and economic gains.

"The current Government has set an emissions reduction target which is unambitious and yet we are still set to overshoot it by more than 30 per cent. This is because there is currently no coordination of climate change policies. As well as a target we need a plan that shows how we intend to achieve that target and a Labour government will do just that.

“Labour will restore the Emissions Trading Scheme which has been gutted by National.

"As well as fixing the ETS Labour will place a stronger emphasis on complementary measures including support for renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. Our focus will be on energy efficiency, a clear strategy for forestry, and support for public transport and alternatives to road freight such as rail and coastal shipping. And we will promote research and development into reducing greenhouse gases.

"A Labour Government will take a responsible approach and build on the work of the last Labour government to put the New Zealand economy on a path to a sustainable low-carbon future,” Moana Mackey said.

Showing 2 reactions

Chris Karamea Insley commented
2014-08-25 09:04:34 +1200

Finally, some clarity of thinking on possibly the biggest single issue facing the planet, our country and economy and certainly our communities. Well done Moana, you are without question the person to lead this charge from within Government as you are one of the very few Members of Parliament that truly understands the complexities of policy options to take for New Zealand and restore the reputational damage done to our country’s standing on the international stage by the current government.

Anne Thomson commented
2014-08-24 17:10:22 +1200

Will Labout also commit not to allow any further exploration for deep sea oil in NZ waters?